Korean Dictionary
How to say "Quarantine" in Korean
“Quarantine” in Korean is 격리 (pronounced "gyeongni").
격리
gyeongni
Usage & Context
격리 became a widely used term in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic when strict quarantine protocols were enforced. Korea had one of the most effective 격리 and contact tracing systems in the world. Returning travelers and confirmed cases were required to undergo mandatory 격리 in designated facilities or at home.
Example Sentence
코로나 확진 후 7일 동안 격리했어요.
I quarantined for 7 days after a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.
How to use 격리 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Quarantine” is 격리, romanized as gyeongni.
Usage tip
When describing symptoms, combine the word with where it hurts, when it started, and how severe it is.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 격리.
Pronunciation Guide
격 (gyeok) sounds like 'gyuhk' in 'yuk' but with a 'g' sound at the beginning, like 'gyuh-k'. The 'eo' is like the 'o' in 'son'. 리 (ni) sounds like 'nee' in 'knee'. Put it together: 'gyuhk-nee'. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Explaining to a friend why you can't meet up.
자가 격리 중이라 외출할 수 없어요.
I'm in self-quarantine, so I can't go out.
An official announcement or rule regarding international travel.
해외 입국자는 7일간 격리해야 합니다.
Overseas arrivals must quarantine for 7 days.
Sharing a personal experience of being contacted by health authorities.
확진자와 접촉해서 격리 통보를 받았어요.
I was notified to quarantine because I contacted a confirmed case.
Cultural Context
During the COVID-19 pandemic, '격리' became a household term in Korea. The government implemented strict '자가 격리' (self-quarantine) protocols, often involving daily check-ins via apps and providing '격리 키트' (quarantine kits) with food and essentials. This proactive approach, combined with extensive contact tracing, was a key factor in Korea's effective pandemic response, often featured in international news.
Editorial note
We review entries like 격리 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
격리 기간
quarantine period
격리 해제
release from quarantine
격리 조치
quarantine measures
Related Expressions
자가 격리
jaga gyeongni
self-quarantine
사회적 거리두기
sahoejeok georidugi
social distancing
방역
bangyeok
disease prevention, quarantine efforts
봉쇄
bongswae
lockdown (stronger than quarantine)
More Health & Medical Words
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